"A compendium of eighteen oral historical narratives from women who lived through the sparse and dangerous years of Italian fascism. daily life, family, culture, and recipes blend into a fascinating accounting of these women's early lives. Each narrative is separated by a brief intermezzo, illuminating points of cultural historical, and culinary interest to round out the overall mosaic effect. Gently debunking much-loved myths of classic Itallian fare, Moyer-Nocchi offers a fresh, realistic portrayal of traditional Italian food--not as we think of it but as it really existed" --